Overcoming ObstaclesJenna Noelle Rodcay

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

I grew up in a family full of high school dropouts; completing school has not always been a top priority. In fact, I will be the first child in my family to graduate from high school, and first to go to college – this despite a constantly unstable home life. Through the duration of my schooling I have moved a number of times, four times in high school alone, including during the winter of my senior year. Having to motivate myself and move so frequently have never been easy, but these obstacles helped me adapt to change and make me the outgoing girl that I am.

Growing up in a family that was not wealthy, I knew that attending college would be a challenge but I was determined to rise to the occasion and overcome my hindrances. Thankfully, a number of teachers have taken me under their wings and opened my eyes to the many opportunities that are available for students in situations like mine, such as financial aid and scholarships. Those teachers gave me the support and encouragement that I needed and often stressed that there is nothing that can hold me back as long as I do well in school and focus on my goals. The teachers that took their time to help me have been true inspirations and have inspired me to become a teacher myself....